The State of the Union may be national, but our own Michele Bachmann (Rep. MN 6) made the night her own with her very obvious play for the cameras.

From “The Caucus”:

As President Bush walked down the center aisle to exit the chamber, cameras were able to pick up little bits of his exchanges with the lawmakers who crowded around, asking him to sign their programs. Representative Michelle [sic] Bachmann, a new Republican member from Minnesota, maintained a death grip on the president’s shoulder, even while he turned away to talk to others, until he posed for a picture with her.

A few more photo ops like that, and they may start spelling her name correctly.

Update – KSTP finds the scene “grabbing” as well:

While the President was signing autographs for members of Congress after the speech, the sixth-district Republican put her hand on Bush’s shoulder. However, it wasn’t just a tap. After he signed an autograph for her, Bachmann grabbed the president and did not let go for almost 30 seconds.

After signing the autograph for Bachmann, the president turns away, but Bachmann doesn’t let go. In fact, the video shows her reaching out to get a better grip on him.

Bush then leans over to kiss another congresswoman, but Bachmann is still holding on. Bachmann then gets more attention, a kiss and an embrace from the president. A few seconds later, Bachman’s hand finally comes off the presidential shoulder.

Be sure to watch the video…